Semper Fidelis...

This "old Marine Corps Motto" means, "Always Faithful", Forever Faithful, Eternally Faithful...  I now realize and understand I was very, very fortunate to have a Dad that believed that motto to his very core...  Always Faithful...   This is a term that has been lost in the last couple generations...  For FAITH has seemed to escape many.  See, my Dad taught my siblings and I that Faith, Truth, Trust, Honor, Integrity, Character, Respect and Loyalty were deep foundational truths that defined the man.  

We have lost those core moral attributes in this world, culture & society.  In the wake of that foundational shift, we ditched our moral compass along the road somewhere as well.    The collateral damage of these moral pillars failing has been most noticeable in our relationships, or, the failure of our relationships.  Husbands and Wives throwing marriages away after investing 30, 40 and even 50 years of their lives.  Friendships lasted a lifetime 100 years ago, today, if your closest friend doesn't meet your wants and perceived needs, simply walk away and find someone else that will make you "happy".

Today, a man must be the rock of the home, a good provider, a good lover, a good house keeper, a good gardener, provide emotional security as well as be Mr. Mom when called upon.  The culture has emasculated men, and in many circles confused the Biblically appointed roles of the genders so drastically, that the Home has become a battle ground.  All this because of that illusive American Dream...  Nice House, Nice Car, Toys, Vacations, Nights Out - money, money, money...  It became too much for one income to achieve the American Dream.   So, we ripped the baby out of Mommy's arms, dumped them into the baby sitters arms (now day care centers), and put poor Mommy out there into the work force to earn more money.  Subjecting her to diverse opinions and worldly influence and lustful eyes and smooth talking wolves.  We have given parental authority by proxy to the daycares & the school systems with a significant liberal bent, and then wonder why we have shootings, stabbings, rapes and bullying on school property.  Really???  Where are the voices of Reason??? 

50 - 70 years ago, families got involved with each other's struggles, there was a sense of accountability, to God and to each other.  God was just a matter of fact.  The Bible was revered and honored, considered God's Holy Word and Instruction to man, let alone His written will for our lives.  Prayer was an essential to get thru the day.  Modesty was exercised by most folks, and inappropriate conversation was never within ear shot of children.  When our Son or Daughter was having marital issues, we encouraged and exhorted them as the Good Book instructs to do.  We "worked" at our marriages, and sought help from our Pastor, Mother, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa when our marriages or life became a struggle.  We stuck with things and fixed them, rather than throw them in the garbage can and go out and get a new one.  We allowed our Children to read the Bible in School, Pray in School and recite the Pledge of Allegiance in School...  ALL THREE HAVE BEEN REMOVED from the majority of schools today...  AND - We question why 15 to 17 years old kids are signing up for ISIS and running away from home?  Really???  Where are the voices of Reason???  Where is the Public Outcry For The Moral Staples of our Society to be brought back into the Public Schools????

Today, God is Optional - if He even exists in most people's minds.  The Bible - is considered simply a book of suggestions, and at best is an ala carte menu choice as it is relevant to my wants.  Prayer - who needs prayer, I have a secular Shrink that has the whole world figured out that I pay good money for advice - who needs prayer...?  If you have turned on a TV or Radio lately, there is NO Modesty or Appropriateness to conversation or entertainment any more.  We might as well de-commission the FCC, because they are an unneeded and morally irrelevant government agency today.

If we Believe In God, and His Son Jesus Christ, then inherently we will also believe Faith, Truth, Trust, Honor, Integrity, Character, Respect and Loyalty are essential parts of a man or woman's soul.  We will practice Faith in God and trust His will in our relationships, friendships and marriages. We will work at making them wholesome, pure and above reproach.  We will Honor God in honoring those He has placed in our lives.  We will be Biblically Obedient to God, by sacrificing our own desires and wants for our spouse until He calls us Home thru Death or at the Trumpet Sound.  We will honor our other relationships and friendships by showing Christ's Love, Compassion and Charity in those relationships for a lifetime, not just while its convenient.  FAITH is not as we define it - it is as HE Defines it.  Do NOT Trust this old layman - Read The Book for Yourself...

Here are some Passages To Start With - then KEEP  GOING !!!

1st John 1:8-10

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

2nd  Timothy 4

1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.  9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

I Believe...

(A layman's perspective)

I Believe in One Sovereign Supernatural Creator, that in His magnificence and almighty power He  "spoke" all that man knows and those things that man can't possibly know into existence.  I Do Believe that God Is !!!  That in His Devine & Eternal Existence that He has the Intelligence, Power & Sovereignty to Speak all that is into existence in 6 literal days - after all, He Is God !!!  

I Believe that man specifically one man named Adam, chose his own will in the Garden of Eden, rather than the will of his Creator.  In that choice Adam not only followed his own desire, he chose Satan's words over God's.  Therefore; Adam died a very real and immediate Spiritual Death, and some 900 years later, died a very real physical death.

I Believe that God "chose" Abraham, and set aside the Jewish Nation of Israel as His People, that to this day, Israel is God's chosen people, and that He will keep them unto Himself. 

I Believe that thru the ages our Creator, from here forward named "God" and / or Abba Father" made many attempts to show man his Love, Mercy, Long Suffering, Compassion and Grace.  But, due to man's cold heart, he constantly rejected the very being that breathed life into him.  God, had a plan.  His Love for those that would Love Him was & is Eternal and Unconditional.  However; His Holy Righteousness and Anger toward Sin must be satisfied, those that reject Him still choose their own way rather than His, and will face Eternity without Him. 

I Believe that God the Father, sent His Son Jesus in human physical form to this world as a Baby born in a stable, placed in a manger & worshipped by both shepherds and royalty alike. 

I Believe that The Abba Father Loved His Creation so much, that He chose to Sacrifice His Own & Only Son Jesus to redeem all of Creation (past, present & future).  

I Believe that those that would Truly Accept Him as their Redemptive Substitute, and thru that Sacrificial process at Calvary - Jesus became their / our Christ.  That at the moment of True Salvation, God sends His Holy Spirit to each individual in their Belief & Submission to His Will.  At that point, each Believer becomes a Follower of Jesus Christ, and they acknowledge Him as Savior, Lord & King willingly.  

I Believe that The Word Of God, is infallible, it is written by men, inspired and breathed by The One and Only Living God.  I Believe it to be Truth in its entirety, and in the absence of the original Apostles, it is our Gift from The Abba Father to guide, direct and live our lives by.  I believe it to be God's Spoken / Written will for mankind, that it is complete, and is to be obeyed as His Authority in past, present and future ages until His Son's Return.  

I Believe that according to His Word, that the Father will in fact send His Son to Return in the clouds, to call out His Bride the Church from this world.  

I Believe in a Literal Resurrection of the Body & Spirit from this world, that the Dead in Christ first will rise, then those that are still physically alive will join Him and be taken away for a wedding and celebration as part of their Eternal Reward for submitting their will and lives to the True Christ, Jesus.  

I Believe that the world that chose their own will / way will be judged, Jew and Gentile alike.  That without The Sons Shed Blood, all men will be judged according to their words and works.  Without Christ, they will stand guilty of breaking God's Law, and sentenced to Eternal Separation from God and Damnation to an Eternal Hell.  

I Believe in A Holy, Righteous, Loving and Gracious God, that His Character is revealed to us thru the pages of His Holy Word, and thru His Holy Spirit to those He Chose and wrote their names in "The Lambs Book of Life".  

I Believe that God in and thru His Son, reveals His Word & Glory to His Elect thru His Spirit.  To Know Him & Worship we too, must meet Him in Spirit.  I Believe this privilege escapes all men that do not Truly Seek God.  I believe that pride of self, blinds all men and women from truly seeking The Light.  For pride seeks self satisfaction and gratification which pleasures selfish delight in darkness.

I Believe that where there is True Light - there can be NO darkness...  For the Light of God is in Jesus Christ & His Comforter - The Holy Spirit, in them, in their presence there can be NO darkness.  Which is where Gods True Grace is revealed.   That while we walk in the cursed flesh of Adam, Christ as the new Adam provides substitutionary Righteousness.  His Sacrifice covers all sin of the believer, which is not excuse or license for sin...  We are to Live The New Life In Christ as directed by His written will...  God works in the hearts of Men to do His Will, and a Heart submitted to The Lord will truly want to do His will.

I Believe that God shapes men's Hearts and Lives thru trials, tribulation and suffering.  That when Jesus told us to take up our Cross and Follow Him, that it had both Real & Symbolic meaning in the life of each Christian.

I Believe that Abba Father thru His Spirit, places in every Believer's Heart both Light & Joy - unexplainable, undeniable Joy...   NOT  THE  HAPPINESS  CONJURED  BY THIS  WORLD,  BUT - A Holy, Righteous, Loving, Peaceful JOY of The Spirit of God...

Yes, I Believe in The Creator, the Creation, The Law, The Christ, The Cross, The Death, The Resurrection, The Judgment and The Eternal Reward for those that Truly are His Own both Jew & Gentile sealed thru the Blood of Christ in Eternity Past, Present & Future.  Yes, I Believe in a Glorious Heaven that God's Light will Eternally Illuminate, and I Believe in a dark Hell where men's souls will be sent to burn eternally in damnation and punishment for rejecting His Son.

I Believe that the Followers of Christ will also stand before their King, in Judgment of their works and use of the Gifts and Talents He gave them.  Where they used those gifts selflessly to Serve and Glorify God there will be reward.  Where those gifts were used for selfish gain, there will be loss of reward.  I also believe that all rewards, even if the Crown of Salvation is all we have, it will thrown to the foot of His Throne in Love and Appreciation, for  he Alone Is Worthy To Be PRAISED...

If My Belief leads to a path of ridicule, harassment, persecution and death, I Pray that I will have the strength and conviction to take that bullet for My Jesus...  Blinded, Sampson saw The Light, in the midst of pain and suffering of the stones breaking and crushing his body, Steven saw The Light.  God comforts and shows  Mercy & Grace to His own in their time of need, for He is Glorified in their deliverance...  Live for Him, for He is all that matters in the end, His Purpose will bring meaning to your life that the world on its own will never understand. 

Because "He Is" -  I Believe,  and because I Believe - I Live...

God IS...

If my head and heart are on right Spiritually, then at the depths of my Soul, I know beyond a doubt that I can not work to justify myself before God... I can not work for Salvation. I can not work for Redemption. I can not work to earn favor with God...

My Salvation, Redemption, Righteousness and Sanctification are all by the Choice of The Living God, Master Creator, Father of all There is. By His Choice / Election we are sealed unto Eternity to live and reign with Him Forever. NOT - by anything I can think, do or negotiate... Salvation / Redemption is solely and completely a manifestation of God's Sovereign Holy Will & Character Alone... 

Simply stated Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone - period...

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Note To A Dear Friend...

Accountability - Confusion in interpreting the message...

I am sorry kiddo, that's not what is being said here. Not at all... Ephesians 4:1-6 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

We are called out from the ways of the world to follow The Way of Christ. That brings accountability period. That's NOT legalism. Legalism is when I, as your Dad, Husband or Friend has a list of arbitrary Do's & Don'ts that I hold over your Head as a litmus test for Salvation... I know Legalism, because I lived it the first 30+ years of my life. What this is saying is God has expectations of us - accountability. Accountability in the way we live our lives as to not bring harm or retribution to the Name & Testimony of Jesus Christ. If He Lives In Us, then His Sacrifice & Humility in Love is in us. There is no deep rooted anger, there is no fear of accountability, there is no contention among fellow Christians, Husband & Wife, Mother & Daughter, Sister & Brother, Employee & Supervisor. God's Spirit, His Peace and His Heart are all a part of the New Creature. Stumbling from time to time is one thing, however; a life of perpetual frustration, anger, with the desire to run from God's accountability is a warning sign.

In Matthew 7, Jesus warns of the wolves in sheep's clothing, a picture of people calling themselves Christians, that participate in the activities of a Christian life. However; when pressed in Spiritual matters, they display the core of their Heart and their true Master. You see Dear Child, God's Holy Spirit lives in the Heart of those He calls. While these dear people are not perfect, their dependency for life in its most basic form to the most complex is rooted in Jesus Christ. At any given moment they believe deep in the core of their Heart in Jesus Christ, and His ability to deliver them from any evil or any problem by His Power & Will in His Timing... That is Faith, Trust & Belief in Christ, not depending on our own abilities. Believing in the Supernatural - and believing that the Supernatural can in fact manifest Himself in the world today... God IS !!!

Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Accountability - is an innocent and practical way for the brethren to watch for the wolves, a as well as lovingly help a Brother or Sister in the Faith, when they are struggling. Carrying each other's burdens, praying, walking along side and using the Scripture as the measure. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. If a person definitely rejects a lovingly & innocently posed question regarding their walk (offenses), then you must follow Christ's instruction and take another Brother / Sister with you to talk with this person. If they still reject your concern, take your Deacon with you, if still the offense continues Un-repented, take the Deacon and Pastor with you. If still they stand in defiance, offering no conversation, or discussion of the matter in their defense, nor offer no apology, or repentance of the issue, take them and the issue before the congregation. If this does not bare Good Spiritual Fruit - then the Church - by Christ's own instruction, is to set apart the Un-repentant Heart from the Church / Congregation, if they truly are of Christ, they will be given over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh and salvation of the soul.

A Dear Pastor Friend of mine, used to always tell me "People do - What People want to do"... At first blush, it seems to be a pretty simple and basic statement. As I aged, and experienced the harshness of the world and life in it, I realized this Dear Pastor was teaching me a core Spiritual Lesson. The contents of a person's Heart are on display in the things they do & say every moment of their life. Christ's Love is Deep, Unconditional, Drenched in Mercy, Full of Forgiveness, Abounding in Grace, and Always - Always willing to Restore the Fellowship. This too, is the Heart of the True Loving, Devoted, Submitted and Yielded Follower of Christ. These attributes are then on display in their actions, their words, their Charity & their Worship and they are both a conduit and a reflector of Christ's Amazing Love & Light. They are not perfect for they walk in the flesh, but they are not of the flavor of Modern American Christianity where Grace is used as an excuse to do what we want all in the name of Liberty. Christ died to give us Ritualistic / Ceremonial freedom or Liberty from the Law, not Liberty from the Heart of the Law. That Heart of The Law is God's Holy, Righteous, Just and Revered Character, which Christ Lovingly and Humbly submitted Himself to.

So my Dear Child, what I was truly saying was this... A Child of God, the betrothed of Christ will reflect the Heart of Christ (for further detail read Matthew 5 and Galatians 5).

 A Follower of Christ, will have a Heart willing to discuss your thoughts and opinions of their life - when you offer it with love, as Paul instructed, "speak the Truth in Love". They won't be quick to be offended, they will show Loving Kindness, Gentleness, Compassion, Understanding, Mercy, Eternal Forgiveness, Un-Ending Grace, and Continual Restoration, for those are the attributes of the core of their Heart, for that and much more is the core of the Heart of their Blessed Jesus. The Holy Spirit Truly - Truly takes up residence in the Hearts of genuine / authentic Christians. That Spirit is Real... That Spirit is of God, do the math Dear Child, God is Holy, Righteous & Just. If that Light lives inside of you, you WILL BE DIFFERENT than the rest of the world. So too, will the Christian friend you are trying to discuss this offensive issue with, they will be different as in the True Christ. Approach in deep prayer, bathed in Love, and open arms of Christian Fellowship, God will prepare the Heart of your friend for the discussion. God Bless, I will pray for you...

Hurting Hearts...

He wept in the Garden as he prayed to His Abba Father, sweating drops of blood, knowing He would have to bear my sin... Punishment that I rightfully deserved, for the Sin I knew I was committing, as well as sins of omission. He took my stripes, the words of anger, the beating, the bruising and the thorns. Then he carried my cross in agony, and pain beyond anything I could bear. Finally, He took the spikes that were meant for me, thru His hands and feet. Then as they stood that old cross up, all the weight of my sin and yours pulled on those wounds around those huge old spikes. He took it, He bore it, He carried it, then He suffered the most horrific and agonizing pain of all, His Abba Father turned His back on Him for in the midst of all my sin on His shoulders, it repulsed His Father, for He could not look upon that sin which weighed and sucked the life's blood from His horrifically beaten body. Yet in His Sovereign power He kept His life until He was ready to lay it down for US !!!!!!!!!!

As a child of His, it hurts my Heart to see fellow Christians living like the world... Folks claiming the name of Christ, while cheapening Grace with their worldly vocabulary, with their pompous attitudes, with their worldly activities and their lustful eyes. My heart aches for my Jesus and the pain He bore and the sorrow He carried, when people claim His name in one breath, and dishonor it in the next.

Salt of the Earth... A Gospel that is offensive to the world... Light in the midst of Darkness... The "Armor" of God... To Seek Righteouness... Revere and Fear a Holy God...

Oh My Dear Jesus, how we must hurt and grieve Your Heart & Spirit... Forgive us Father, and help me keep the logs from my own eyes and confess & repent my own horrid sin moment by moment each day... Help me walk up rightly in the midst of Your Marvelous Grace...

Truth Family & Friends - Read It...

Look Deeper - Don't let the spirit of Anti-Christ confuse what you know as Truth in your Hearts concerning the True Gospel of Jesus, The One and only begotten Son of the Living God.
He Alone Is Worthy - He Alone is Sovereign - He will Return !!! The knee that has not yet bent in Loving Submission during this Age of Grace, will be bent by force, and Hearts will then be compelled to willful subjugation under His Mighty Hand...
...

The Signs are evident and His Return is immanent, Please, search, Look Deeper, know if what you believe is The Truth !!!

John 14:6-7 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

Believer, are you a follower of the Living Christ, or "are you just a fan"... A True Follower of Christ - knows The Master, and more importantly, The Master knows His Sheep, and they hear only His Voice... Fans, may hear The Word, but they don't know The Word and do as He commands.

Do You Want To "Know" The Truth...?

If we Love Jesus, as we do everything else in this country, there are many of us that will soon stand before a Holy & Righteous God, very, very surprised.  It IS ALL about The Relationship with Him.  The depth of The Relationship.  The exclusivity of The  Relationship.  The level of commitment in The Relationship.  The heart of loyalty in The Relationship.  The amount of dedication in The Relationship.  

 

This culture / society is in a point in our history, when we can't even properly define our relationships with friends, family or our spouses...?  Why...?  We want to "take" God on our terms, we want to "make" Jesus "fit" into our lives...?

 

News Flash!!!  He  IS  GOD, Creator, Sovereign of all that IS, we are the created, we don't take or make HIM anything,  HE  IS  !!!   He Is...  We do not define The Relationship...  God Does Loved Ones, please, understand, that we as a Nation have made idols before a most Holy & Righteous God...  He Created Us, therefore; He defines the playing field, the rules and he owns the game ball.

 

You will never get Friendships right, never get Family right, and never get Marriage right until you understand and have a Real Relationship with the Author of all Relationship, The Lord and King Jesus Christ and His Blessed Abba Father - God and Creator of all universes.

 

If we Love The Lord Jesus our Christ, then we will submit and yield to that Lordship, allowing Him to Define The Relationship...  Otherwise; you had best study Matthew 7, and become familiar with verses 13, 14, 21, 22 & 23...  HE and HE alone defines how and who HE knows, in the Word He provided to us to introduce us to Him.  Apart from His Word and His Spirit - there is NO Relationship...

 

Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. 

 

Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ 

 

Trust Me - I didn't get this right, I didn't understand...  I was a religious man, I wasn't a "servant to The King", I had a one way relationship with Christ, my way, which I have since learned is in No Way a Saving Relationship...  Pastor's wake up, accountability for your flock before the Bema Seat is real...  Tell them The Truth, teach them The Truth, and call Sin just that - it is Sin...   Not mistakes...  Not bad Choices...  Not wrong Turns...  

 

Folks - You willfully break the commandments of God and our Dear Lord Jesus, it is Sin and pride that defines your life, which Christ has no part in.  His Grace is not a license to follow the worlds ways...  He came to divide, to separate the world of Sin from the World of Righteousness, if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, a True, Real, Deep, Loving & Serving Relationship with Him, YOU, already know this to be TRUE...

 

If you have a relationship with Jesus, then you already understand the mission...  Speak, preach and teach the gospel to all that will hear, upon their accepting, repenting and turning from their sin, get them Baptized and then Disciple them so that they can repeat the process...  

 

Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” 

Peter's Message In The Temple...

I was looking over some old messages I had stored on the computer from back when I was teaching / preaching Wednesday nights.  I had forgotten I started the study of the Book of Acts, this message deals with True Repentance - a Change of Heart.  I hope you find it useful and hear God's voice and sense His Spirit in these words.  God Bless...

Originally prepared for the Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting on 11 January 2012 @ BBCWM

======================================================= 

The Acts of the Apostles

Acts 3:19 thru 26

Peter's  Message  in  the  Temple

 Good Evening;  Open Your Bibles to Acts Chapter Three, Verses 19 thru 26, follow along with me please:

¹⁹Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.    ²⁰And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:    ²¹Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.   ²²For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.   ²³And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.   ²⁴Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have  spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.   ²⁵Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindred's of the earth be blessed.   ²⁶Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Dear Lord, please calm our hearts, put the day's events aside and let your precious Spirit minister to our heart, and let only your message be seen and heard here tonight, and not the mere man standing before these dear folks.  Let all that is said here tonight bring your Honor, Glory and Praise in your Dear Son's Name we  come to you tonight, in Christ we pray, Amen

OK - really quick review from last week, where are we geographically in our text tonight? (Temple in Jerusalem)

Who was the audience in attendance? (Pharisees, Sadducees, Priests, Scribes and other Israelites)

What is Peter preaching here in our opening text tonight? (Repentance)

Repentance - Repentance; but wait a minute, these were the "Spiritual Giants" of the day...  These were the Holy and Righteous men of Israel in that day, or so they thought!

John MacArthur says in his commentary on the Book of Acts that "Throughout redemptive history, God's spokesmen have called sinners to repentance.  Old Testament and New Testament alike!

Check on my references later, but you can see this fact in Jeremiah 8:4-5;  Ezekiel 14:6;  2nd Kings 17:13;  Matthew 3:1-2;  Mathew 4:17;  Acts 2:38;   Acts 20:21;   Acts 26:19-20 

Peter continues this practice as he draws this sermon at the temple to a conclusion, and calls these people to repentance.  The word Repentance is drawn from the Greek word metanoeo, which is "to change one's mind or purpose".  This is meant to be much more than a mere intellectual decision to change.  It is a change of mind that issues in a life change of behavior and mindset.  It is literally, a turning in direction or a conscious choice to change your thinking, more importantly changing your perspective - from a world view of the present culture - to a world view with GOD in the center.  His Holiness and Righteousness guides your path, you "Change", the pace is determined by the rate of submission and yielding to the Spirit of God.

Peter knew his audience, he knew that deep in their minds and hearts they thought they were "Right" with God, but were they?  No, the temple in many ways exercised oppression through the interpreted and made up Laws.  Peter knew the ways of the Temple Leadership, he knew that they were entrenched in their ways, and turned a tin ear towards the Truth.

Peter also knew, that while most of these people practiced the religion of the Jewish Faith, it was mechanical, ritualistic, and out of a sense of duty.   In these circles, the true God Loving individual was not often in the lime light, or spoken of.  The Jewish Leaders were often the subject of Christ's observations and rebuking.

How is that different from the corporate church today in this country?  America is the land of opportunity and entitlement.  The people don't need to rely on GOD, they are either self reliant or rely on the government to meet their needs.  The bulk of TV Evangelist have turned the stomachs of the American people towards faith and Christianity due to their bilking the public out of BILLIONS of Dollars.  Followed up by numerous scandals that were wrought in deceit and greed. Unfortunately - this tarnished all Churches in some people's eyes, as we walked further and further from the days of innocence into the days of Postmodernism. To a country today drenched in corruption from the top down to the local community leaders and even some local church leaders.

Our former stalwart bible believing Churches have departed from the Truth of Christ and His Heavenly Father, to teach an easy believism that has infected even the little independent Churches in this country.   Do we remember, what happen that 1st day of Pentecost that Peter preached, when his message then was also one of repentance?  "All that believed were together, and had all things in common."  They had all things in common, and they fellowshipped and spent time together joined in the Bond of Love in the Spirit of Christ.  They sold belongings to provide for the less fortunate in their circle of faith, those in the early Church.

They continued daily with one accord, breaking bread sharing meals in gladness and a singleness of heart.  What was the result of this awesome faith and dedication to one another - God found favor with them, and the Lord added to the Church daily - and people REPENTED and were SAVED!!!

Why was that same message so important here at the Temple and also - so very important here tonight and today in the Corporate Church of America?

BECAUSE - we need reminded that Christ sacrificed it all for us, and that passion of our beloved Savior, does have a cost for us.  We must relinquish our desire and thirst for the things of this world, and repent of those things that draw us away from His word, away from devoted time with Him.  We need to invest our God given resources in the work and furtherance of the Gospel of Christ.  AND Listen to me, NO MAN Has the right to tell you what that means in your life...  I can't tell you what that means for you, nor can the Pastor, or some well dressed TV Preacher.

BUT - if you are a born again, God Fearing, Christ Loving, Bible Believing Christian, and the Holy Spirit of the True and Living Christ lives within that chest of yours - you had better listen to what HE is telling you...  The only way this Church is going to grow, is if we listen to Peter's message.  Casual Sunday Morning Service Christians are playing a crap game.  For if they are sitting in these pews for any other reason than EXALTING the Name of Jesus Christ and Praising Almighty God with their solemn humbled hearts, they are spiritually confused.

A preacher can't stand up here and post a list of things not to do as a Christian, because those things can be mimicked and repeated without a change of the mind and heart!  However; I can tell you from the heart there are things that shouldn't be present!

If Sunday Morning for Sunday School and Morning Service, Sunday Evening Service, and Mid Week Services there shouldn't be a desire in your heart to be anywhere else.  God calls us to assemble together, to be HIS family, loving one another, ministering to one another.  This is a battle with self that I go through from time to time, in my flesh I make the wrong choices occasionally...  Then for days I carry the guilt and shame, tonight thanking the Lord for the conviction HE lays on my heart.

Satan doesn't want us,    to want to be here....  He is a sly old devil, he know the things you like to do for pleasure and recreation, and he places them before you wanting you to make a choice that will keep you out of the favor of God.  Yielding to His Will and Submitting to His service is HARD sometimes.  As you grow in His Spirit, and those choices become easier to make, He blesses you, and yes, in my eyes every answered prayer is a personal God given Miracle, and holds a special place in my mind and heart.

Please open your Bibles to Matthew 21:28 thru 31...   But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.   ²⁹He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.  ³⁰And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.  ³¹Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 

Repentance that Peter is preaching here is a CHANGE of the Heart!!!  Giving God lip service, or sitting here on a Sunday morning doing the Church thing, then going out all the rest of the week partaking in what the world has to offer, with not another thought of Christ till you walk back into the Church the next Sunday morning - well - that is not a saving faith!

There once was a son that told his Father "No I won't", then he thought about what he had just done, he then went back and repented his error,  he saw his wrong - his Sin, and went back, then he did that thing His Father asked of him, truly he was repentant and understood, he conformed in humility and then knew the true depth of Love.

That son that gave his Father lip service, saying yes Dad, I'll do it, then went about his merry way doing what he wanted, he was a miserable liar at best.

But what is more interesting is Christ's question and to the Chief Priests and Elders of the temple at the end of His parable?    He asked, which of these sons truly did the will of his Father.  What did they tell HIM?

They said the first son did the will of the Father....  He then rebuked them, telling them that the publicans and the whores of the day go into the Kingdom of God before them...  Why?  Because they answered the question correctly, they got it right,,,,,,  but refused to practice that which they knew as Truth!!!!

Today's Church is in the exact same condition, our people sit and hear the truth Sunday after Sunday, yet chose to go their own way.  Telling the Preach and God, yes, we got it, we understand it, and then go about their own way.  Never plugging in, never praying with a dear hurting friend, never helping a family in need, never singing in the choir, never helping with the children or youth ministries, and worse yet, never uttering the name of our Beloved Jesus again until the next Sunday.

THAT Dear, Dear Friends here tonight is why this Church has an alter call / or / invitation at the end of every message.  Because the American Church today has a lot of people sitting in it in the same state of mind and spiritual condition as that Temple did back there when Peter preached this short and powerful message.

Let's change the discussion from one of repentance, to one of dependence!  What do we right here at BBC rely on or depend on God for on a moment by moment, or a day by day, week to week, month to month basis...  Do we thank HIM for all things, do we even realize that Dependence on God grows out of a thankful heart.

If we aren't thankful for every little blessing He bestows upon us, we are depending on ourselves, our own means and our own will.  With a contrite heart I wrote this lesson / message out, knowing that many times I don't take the time to reflect on the blessing of the moment.

Lord God hear me tonight, I am thankful for the Miracle and Blessing of life, every Heart Beat and every Breath.  Father, see my tears of Joy and Thanks for my dear Godly Wife, that bears the weight of my humanness at times, Thank You Father for she prayerfully holds me in your Light, Your answers to those Prayers keep me safe and a Heart True to You and her.  Thank You Dear Father for the Family you have blessed me with...  Thank you for their health, and meeting their daily needs as well.

Father, Thank You for the Job I have, and the will to work when the culture has made it so easy to coast, I give ten thousand thanks.  For the Food you place on my table every day, the strength that you convert that food into for me to continue on, when that couch and television look so good to cuddle up to.  Thank you father for the mode of transportation that you have provided my wife and I to move about freely in this Country that you continue to Bless in the midst of our sinful and wayward ways.

Thank you Father for this CHURCH, for those in our midst that Yield to Your Word, Yielding to your TRUTH, Your Commandments and the Principles you have provided to guide and live our lives by.  Father bring us as a Church to your alter frequently, remind us that we are a peculiar people in your site, wrapped in the righteousness and justification of your Dear Son, paid for by His Blood and Earthly Life in our place.  Thank you for those dear, dear missionaries that were willing to go into those far reaches of this earth that many of us could never want to endure.  Continue to bless those mission fields and the ministries that those dear folks are providing to the lost.

Father - help us as a people, as a church, and as individuals come to the realization that we must rely on YOU!  Help us realize that a Proud and Self-reliant people have no need for a God, for they meet their own needs and wants without consideration to the real provider!

Father remind us on a regular basis of our Spiritual condition without Christ, then Father, help us sacrifice ourselves to and for your will in such a way that it ministers to others while bringing You Glory, Praise and Honor.  Without Christ, we are a vile, corrupt contentious lot in your eyes Father.  When we enter the throne room in prayer to you Father, you now look at us wrapped in Your Son.  But Your promise through His transaction at Calvary, gives us spiritual cleansing that on that day, we will stand before You and your Son forgiven and with robes of white.  There, and there alone lies the depth and foundation of our Love and Gratitude Father, for parting with your best long enough to pay the ransom for these tired and grateful saints.  -  Amen...

If you have friends that are playing the Sunday Morning Game, you may want to share this last point with them...

A Pastor, Church Doctrinal Statement, Church Constitution, Regular Attendance, or any daily, weekly, monthly or annual ritual in God’s name is NOT going to save a person from Hell.  It is the repentant - contrite heart, fearful of God, Loving His Son, and believing in the remission of their sin through the shed blood of Christ and conforming to His character as found on the pages of the book in your lap.

We are in the last days, and there is NO FIRE INSURANCE outside of confessing your sin and sinful ways, asking His Mercy and Forgiveness, accepting His Son's sacrifice and shed blood as Payment for that sin.  Then, accepting Him as, and elevating Him to LORD of your life - the rubber meeting the road is in this step.  For we are a proud nation, a prideful people, and giving over control is not in our cultural make up.  An old long gone friend use to say, son, you can accept Christ's payment, and Church all your life, but till you bend the knee and yield that proud heart, you'll be on the wrong side of the tracks.

Not really a theologically backed statement, but the message of Yielding and Submission hit home.  Not my will - but thine Lord...

A parting word of encouragement tonight is wrapped in this word FORGIVENESS!!!

Forgiveness produces JOY and relief from guilt.  One of my most favorite hymns was written by Horatio Spafford.  Mr. Spafford expressed that reality beautifully in his classic hymn, It Is Well With My Soul.  In it he penned the following familiar words:

MY Sin, Oh, the bliss of this Glorious Thought,    

My sin not in part, but the whole                          

Is nailed to the Cross and I bear it no more,         

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Oh My Soul....

As John MacArthur stated in his commentary, those words find their echo in every redeemed heart.  If we truly live with the Precious Spirit of Christ in us, and understand the verses of that Hymn, how can we not want to give up this old world and serve this Man that nailed it all to the cross.  May each and every one of you remember that moment when you realized that He saved you, and lifted the burden of guilt and shame through His Merciful, Gracious and Complete gift of Forgiveness through His Blood on that old tree.  Remember, Thankful Hearts, lead our Hearts home to Him, understanding our condition apart from Christ, helps keep our Hearts humbled and obedient to His Word.  Have a Great rest of the week, and we will see you Sunday Morning, let's pray...

Hungry and Hurting - Changed...

I hooked up with an old friend a few months back.  We started spending some time together, and I distinctly noticed this isn't the guy I used to know.

His bold arrogant personality is now quiet, gentle, observant and soft spoken.

Where there was once a constant treat of dry arrogant cynicism, there was now meek words of tender encouragement.

Then one day he floored me...  This once stingy tight wad of a guy and I walked into a local quick serve burger joint.  We stood at the back of the line, and he just quietly watched.  Silently, soberly and slowly scanned over everyone there.

Then he walked past me and all those people, went up to the counter and asked for the manager.  I figured, OK, here we go, my old friend is about to resurface.  

The manager came out, my friend bent over counter and quietly spoke something to the manager...  The manager's face reflected shock and confusion.  Then my friend handed the manager something, he looked down, as he looked back up at my friend, his face reflected a wondrous smile.

My friend then shook his hand walked away from the counter, grabbed my arm and escorted me out the door.

Puzzled, confused and hungry, I asked, is the food bad in there?  No, no he said the food is OK.  Well, I am Hungary I said firmly...  He smiled, and said OK let's go up the road a little ways.

As we sat in the car, I said what gives there?  He then asked me, did you see that guy in there with the beat up coat, and the two little girls with him with the torn coats?  Yeh, I saw them...  Well, he was searching his pockets and counting all his loose change...  They were hungry my friend, very hungry, so Jesus just fed them...

My eyes instantly filled with tears, my heart instantly skipped a few beats and both  joy and hurt filled my emotions to overflowing...

The Joy of seeing the True Christ in this changed man, and his meek selfless act of Christian Charity towards these dear poor folks he has never met, not to mention the witness to the manager.

The hurt was for my own slightly hardened heart towards the physical and Spiritual need that is around us all everyday that goes un-noticed...   Oh we see it, but the culture conditions us to look past it...

True Christianity changes the man from the inside out...  In many folks the change / sanctification is slow and steady.  In others it's an overnight transformation.  The point being, true conversion, true belief, true trust in Christ starts in the Heart and is reflected in the actions & energy provided by the Holy Spirit.

This man's life is changed, he shines the Light of His Savior to those around him in deed and kind words...  He speaks The Truth meekly, but matter of factly.  His focus, no, his Spiritual gaze is Heavenly, while his Hearts work is the suffering and lost in this world.

Christ used this changed man to show me Gods desire to use me in an un-formal ministry to serve others than myself with the gifts and blessings God has freely and Graciously given me...

So, the next time you are in line to eat, or at a gas station, or waiting in a park to get on a ride, and the person attending says, "it's ok Sir / Mam, your fee has been paid in full, go on and enjoy".  Remember Dear Friend, Jesus paid it all, and He touched someone's heart to show you He paid it all on that special occasion...  God still works in the hearts of men, and I am just old enough to remember, the old timers used to call that a miracle...

Matthew 25:40 The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ 

God Bless,

RC